Notting Hill Carnival
Details
Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant and free street festival in London that celebrates Caribbean culture. It’s one of the world’s largest street parties and the biggest street festival in Europe!
Get ready for lively parades, infectious music, dancing in the streets, and mouth-watering Caribbean food.
The carnival is all about celebrating Caribbean heritage, arts, and culture. You’ll see spectacular floats, performers in dazzling costumes, and hear the joyful sounds of steel bands and calypso music filling the air. Notting Hill Carnival takes place on the last weekend of August, including the summer bank holiday Monday. It all happens in the vibrant streets of Notting Hill in west London. The carnival began in the 1960s as a way to bring together the diverse immigrant communities who had made west London their home. It was organized by activists who wanted to stand against racism and violence faced by Caribbean people in Notting Hill.
Today, it’s a joyful celebration of unity, culture, and freedom of expression.If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience filled with color, music, and community spirit, Notting Hill Carnival is the place to be!
Schedule
UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition
All year long, steel bands across the UK have been practicing and perfecting their performances for one of the biggest events on the pan lovers’ calendar – the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition. This is one of the largest steel pan competitions outside of the Caribbean!
At Panorama, five bands perform a ten-minute piece entirely from memory – no sheet music allowed. True to tradition, Notting Hill Carnival’s Panorama is an open-air event. As the sun sets, enjoy delicious Caribbean street food and the beautiful sounds of steel pan music, while the bands compete to impress the judges.
Official Opening Ceremony
Carnival traditionally kicks off with a vibrant celebration led by local residents, participants, and joined by the event organizers and Carnival supporters.This year, we’re dedicating Sunday to the little ones, with an exciting array of family-friendly activities. The highlight will be the children’s mas, a heartwarming sight as the next generation takes the lead, dancing through the streets in their beautiful, handmade costumes.
It’s a joyful moment to see them embrace the spirit of Carnival!Get ready to get messy and let loose in the Dutty/Fun Mas! Inspired by the energy of J’Ouvert, this part of the Carnival is for those who thrive in the chaos. As a spectator, you’ll be splashed with vibrant paints, powders, or even gooey melted chocolate.
It’s all about wild revelry, and the high-energy crowd will have you swept up in the action. The irresistible beat of bass-heavy tunes, combined with the infectious energy of the participants “chipping” and “wining” to the rhythm, will have you dancing without a care in the world.
Sound Systems: Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Day 1
Born from Jamaican culture and Reggae roots, these systems now bring a diverse mix of music to the Carnival, ranging from Rare Groove to House to Samba.
It’s the perfect spot to feel the rhythm and vibe to the beats that keep the streets alive!
Sound Systems: Powis Square Stage - Day 1
This is day 1 of Sound System: Powis Square Stage
At today’s Carnival, you can groove to everything from soulful Rare Groove to pulsating House beats, and even the vibrant rhythms of Samba – each Sound System offering its own unique musical journey.
Adult's Parade Parade Route
This is the carnival climax. It’s the last lap for another year and you can really feel the intensity of the party vibes. It’s what the MAS Bands have been preparing for all year: it’s showtime! Time to free up and just revel in the joy that is carnival!
If you haven’t bought a band costume feel free to wear your own (you won’t be alone), grab a whistle or a horn find a good position on the parade route (we recommend you arrive early) and jump up and dance as the floats pass you by.
Sound Systems: Powis Square Stage - Day 2
This is day 2 of Sound System: Powis Square Stage
For those who love the rhythm of the streets but prefer to stay off the main parade route, the Sound Systems are the heart and soul of the experience. A cornerstone of Notting Hill Carnival, these powerful setups have become synonymous with the celebration.
With origins in Jamaican culture and Reggae music, the tradition has grown to encompass a wide array of genres.
Sound Systems: Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Day 2
If you’re all about dancing in the streets but prefer to keep it off ‘di road,’ then the Sound Systems are your go-to.
A staple of Notting Hill Carnival, Sound Systems have become an iconic feature of the event.